Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes multiple elevator cars (22, 32) within a hoistway (26). Counterweights (24, 34) are associated with the respective elevator cars (22, 32) by load bearing members (40, 50). In some examples, different roping ratios are used for the load bearing members (40, 50). In some examples, the lengths of the load bearing members (40, 50) are selected to allow contact between the counterweights (24, 34) within the hoistway (26) and prevent contact between the elevator cars (22, 32). The difference in car and counterweight separation distances is greater than a stroke of a counterweight buffer plus an expected dynamic jump of the elevator cars. A disclosed example includes passages (80) through a portion of at least one of the elevator cars (22) for accommodating the load bearing member (50) of another elevator car (32) located beneath the elevator car (22) with the passages (80).

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes an underslung car (22). A plurality of load bearing members (32-38) are closer together behind the elevator car and spaced farther apart near a front of the elevator car (22). A plurality of sheaves (40-44) are supported for vertical movement with the car and rotational movement relative to the car (22) such that the load bearing members (32-38) can be arranged in a 2:1 roping ratio and extend underneath the car (22). A disclosed example includes sheaves (40-44) rotatable about sheave axes that are at oblique angles relative to corresponding edges of the elevator car (22).

Abstract: A method of providing non-contact data selection, comprising the steps of providing at least one data selection, transmitting at least one signal in proximity to the at least one data selection, altering the path of the at least one transmitted signal through interaction with a selection device, detecting at least one altered signal, and determining selection of the selection device from the at least one altered signal.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes multiple elevator cars (22, 32) within a hoistway (26). Counterweights (24, 34) are associated with the respective elevator cars (22, 32) by load bearing members (40, 50). In some examples, different roping ratios are used for the load bearing members (40, 50). In some examples, the lengths of the load bearing members (40, 50) are selected to allow contact between the counterweights (24, 34) within the hoistway (26) and prevent contact between the elevator cars (22, 32). The difference in car and counterweight separation distances is greater than a stroke of a counterweight buffer plus an expected dynamic jump of the elevator cars. A disclosed example includes passages (80) through a portion of at least one of the elevator cars (22) for accommodating the load bearing member (50) of another elevator car (32) located beneath the elevator car (22) with the passages (80).

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes an underslung car (22). A plurality of load bearing members (32-38) are closer together behind the elevator car and spaced farther apart near a front of the elevator car (22). A plurality of sheaves (40-44) are supported for vertical movement with the car and rotational movement relative to the car (22) such that the load bearing members (32-38) can be arranged in a 2:1 roping ratio and extend underneath the car (22). A disclosed example includes sheaves (40-44) rotatable about sheave axes that are at oblique angles relative to corresponding edges of the elevator car (22).

Abstract: A passenger conveyor system (20) includes a handrail assembly (30) having a guidance (40) for guiding a moving handrail (32). The example guidance includes an extrusion and presents a continuous, uninterrupted guiding surface (44) along which the handrail (32) travels. In a disclosed example, a single-piece extrusion (50) extends along an entire length of a balustrade (34). A disclosed example includes a first material forming a body of the guidance (40) and a second material (70) establishing the guiding surface (44).

Abstract: A passenger interface device (20) includes at least one input member (22, 24, 26) having a contact surface (28) that is adapted to be touched by an individual. A disinfectant (30) is on the contact surface (28). The disinfectant (30) comprises a radiation-activated material. A source of radiation (32) irradiates the disinfectant (30) to disinfect the contact surface of the passenger interface device. In one example, titanium dioxide is used as a photocatalyst that disinfects the contact surface responsive to ultraviolet light radiation.

Abstract: In a saw blade having a cutting edge defined by a plurality of teeth disposed along the blade, each tooth includes a tip, a rake face, and a curvilinear base surface. The tip of each tooth and the tip of the next consecutively disposed tooth cooperate to define a pitch distance therebetween, with the curvilinear base surface and the tip of each tooth cooperating to define a maximum gullet depth. In addition, the rake face and the curvilinear base surface of each tooth define an effective gullet radius greater than about 25% of the pitch distance, and also greater than about 55% of the maximum gullet depth.